Leading experts spoke about industry opportunities and challenges at the 2014 AMExpo, which also showcased advanced manufacturing technologies.

Minister Goodyear highlighted the importance of southern Ontario's advanced manufacturers - an industry that has become more efficient, competitive and increasingly export-oriented. In addition, the Minister explained how the Government of Canada supports manufacturers through multiple FedDev Ontario initiatives, in particular the $200-million Advanced Manufacturing Fund delivered across Ontario.

Quick Facts

Manufacturing continues to be a major economic sector for Canada, with revenues of $591 billion in 2013 with $270 billion revenues in Ontario alone.

Nearly 80,000 manufacturing establishments exist across the country and contribute enormously to national and local economies and generate the majority of exports in Canada. More than 30,000 of these are in Ontario.

FedDev Ontario is currently accepting project proposals for the new Advanced Manufacturing Fund from manufacturers and not-for-profit organizations working with manufacturers in Ontario.

Since its creation in August 2009, FedDev Ontario has invested more than $1.2 billion, resulting in partnerships with more than 5,300 organizations and more than $1.5 billion in additional leveraged investments from almost exclusively non-government sources to support businesses, organizations and communities in southern Ontario.

Quotes

"Our Government's continued support for advanced manufacturing in southern Ontario is creating high-quality jobs, growth and economic prosperity in the region. A key part in this continued success is to ensure that government, researchers and Canadian businesses are working collaboratively in order to bridge the gap between new ideas and the marketplace."

- Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

"We were thrilled to have Minister Goodyear at AMExpo. There is enormous interest in 3D printing and our audience appreciated hearing about the Minister's insights regarding this emerging technology and FedDev Ontario's support for manufacturers."